Biden-Harris Administration Announces $571,306 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments for the U.S. Virgin Islands

WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs today announced $571,306 in key investments from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the U.S. Virgin Islands to improve wildlife habitat, manage invasive species, build trails, and protect endangered species.

“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment for American infrastructure across this country, including the territories,” said Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor.  “The Office of Insular Affairs will continue working to deliver these critical investments towards resilient physical and natural infrastructure as we safeguard ecosystems, protect endangered species and support U.S. Virgin Island communities.”

Of the funding announced today:

• $297,241 will support invasive species eradication efforts on Savana Island to create a new refuge and habitat for the endangered Virgin Islands tree boa by ridding Savana Island of invasive rats;

• $250,095 will go to Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix to construct a recreational pavilion, rehabilitate North Beach parking, and construct a North Beach trail. The refuge is home to three endangered sea turtle species, one endemic endangered lizard, three endangered plant species, and numerous migratory bird species that live in its mangrove-fringed wetland habitat; and

• $23,970 will be used by Government of the Virgin Islands to support invasive species eradication and control projects, including on some of the islands’ coral reefs.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $1.4 billion for ecosystem restoration efforts over the next five years, building on proven projects, programs and partnerships that conserve our cherished wildlife and natural resources critical to supporting local economies, creating jobs and strengthening communities.

To date, $116 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been announced by the White House for the U.S. Virgin Islands. This year alone, the territory will receive more than $18 million for transportation to invest in roads, bridges, public transit, ports and airports, $25 million for telecommunications, and nearly $32 million for clean water. More projects will be added in the coming months, as funding opportunities become grant awards and formula funds become available.

More information about the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs can be found at www.doi.gov/oia

The Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs and the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) carry out the Secretary of the Interior’s responsibilities for the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, OIA administers and oversees federal assistance under the Compacts of Free Association to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. OIA also administers a discretionary Technical Assistance Program for all the insular areas. Find information about OIA and its work on www.doi.gov/oia, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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